Flexible & Affordable Meter Reading Solutions May 6, Badger Meter, Inc. 1

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1 Flexible & Affordable Meter Reading Solutions May 6,

2 Objective & Introductions Objective Enable you to make educated product investment decisions by introducing new meter reading equipment that allows mix-andmatch technology to fit your specific needs and budget. Michele Harvey Badger Meter Field Technical Support cell/text: Badger Meter, Inc. 2

3 Agenda Meter Reading Technology Advantages Challenges New Technologies Flexible & Affordable Solutions Time Permitting Advanced Metering Analytics 3

4 Questions for You Show of Hands.. Reading with Fixed Network? Reading with Mobile? Reading with Touch? Reading Manually?

5 Meter Reading Technology Advantages Automatic reading systems provides the utility with the tools to better manage material and human resources Customer service is improved Billing disputes are handled with proof of customer s water use Workman s comp claims are reduced Man power is repurposed for improved utility management Data supports required regulatory reporting and conservation efforts Routes are read more efficiently 5

6 Traditional Fixed Mobile Manual Touch Challenge Choosing Between Technologies 6

7 Definition - AMR Automatic Meter Reading Drive-By, Walk-By, Mobile Reading Systems Meter is connected to radio via an encoder register and the reading equipment is located in the hands or vehicle of the meter reader.

8 Definition - AMI Advanced Metering Infrastructure Fixed Network System Meter is connected to a radio via an encoder register and the reading equipment is located in fixed geographical locations such as ground storage tanks, buildings, light poles, etc. Cellular options are now available 8

9 Billing Meter Data Meter Software Management Collection Location Software Hardware Hardware Computer Computer Handheld Server Server Laptop & Receiver Meter/Encoder & Radio Hosting Hosting Collector 9

10 Challenge Geographical Terrain 10

11 Radio Frequency & Line-of-Site Site selection for network infrastructure is critical for optimal system performance. Radio waves start out at a certain strength and lose their strength due to distance traveled and impediments (buildings or terrain) along the way. This is referred to as Path Loss or Attenuation and is measured in units called a decibels or db. Output power is typically measured in the unit of Watts ( W ) but can also be measured in a unit known as dbm, or decibels referenced to 1 milliwatt.

12 Tower Height, Range and Quantity of Collectors The higher the gateway is installed, the farther it sees, reducing number of collectors that are required to cover the same geographic area miles or 1,847 feet 1.5 miles or 7,920 feet With the height to reach distances above, to cover a one square mile area, assuming the terrain is relatively level, a system of three or four gateway transceivers at 30 or one gateway at 60 may be deployed 12

13 Traditional AMI = Custom Design No 2 Cities Are The Same Each must be designed Topography, vegetation, buildings, etc. Engineers work with the utility Infrastructure Flexibility Water Towers and Tanks Publicly-owned Buildings Communication Towers Utility Poles Street Lights

14 Traditional AMI = Custom System Garibaldi, OR 6 collectors for 400 meters 14

15 Challenge High Buy-In Costs 15

16 Traditional AMR/AMI Costs Purchase Collector(s) Installation costs Possible vendor engineering charges Electricity charges or Solar costs Annual vendor backhaul fees Annual vendor maintenance fees Regular replacement Unexpected replacement

17 Traditional AMR/AMI Costs Purchase Meter Data Management Software Annual vendor maintenance fees IT services for backup and updates Possible vendor upgrade charges

18 Traditional AMI Costs Purchase Server Annual vendor maintenance fees IT services for back-up and updates Regular Replacement Purchase Handheld Annual vendor maintenance fees Regular Replacement

19 New Technologies 19

20 Cellular Networks & Hosting 20

21 Cellular AMA - How It Works Cellular RF Link Cellular Endpoint Cellular Network Secure Hosted Software Suite Internet RF Link Fixed Network Endpoint Data Collector Utility Client Computers Consumer Portal Smart Phone ENDPOINTS DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

22 Infrastructure-Free AMI

23 Solutions Flexible & Affordable 23

24 Questions for You True or False... Cellular systems are more scalable than traditional fixed network Hosted software is more scalable than local server based software Cellular + Hosted solutions enable flexible mixedtechnology solutions

25 Hybrid Options Garibaldi, OR Hybrid: 2 collectors & cellular 25

26 High Density Systems Cellular = 65% Savings Hanska, MN 1 collector, 200 meters 26

27 Low Density Systems Cellular = 49% Savings Holly Springs, MS 131 collectors for 6000 meters over 200 square miles 68 collectors for 90% 27

28 High Value Services Industrial & Commercial Butler County, KS 950 Services 600 Square Miles 28

29 High Value Services Irrigation West Kern Water District 500 Services 600 Square Miles 29

30 Advanced Metering Analytics (AMA) 30

31 Increased Visibility AMA Evolution = AMI of + Smart AMR to Software AMA AMR Automated Meter Reading AMI Advanced Metering Infrastructure AMA Advanced Metering Analytics Mobile Meter Reading Provides Efficient Reading with Monthly Billing Data Fixed Network Meter Reading Provides Raw Daily or Hourly Data Fixed Network with Powerful Analytics Software Provides Actionable Proactive Intelligence

32 Providing Advanced Metering Analytics Select & Define System Exceptions with the simple Analytics Configurator Define Accounts to Monitor for Defined Exception Flow Rate Greater Than 18,60 GPH 2 Turbo Meters Continual System Monitoring of Interval Data Define Who, How, How Often, and Action to take when alerted of Exception ( , SMS, or Dashboard) BEACON AMA automatically monitors data and notifies per your instructions Meter Supervisor immediately to setup work order for investigation Actionable Business Decisions from Proactive Intelligence Improved Utility Management Assign Field Technician to investigate Meter Up-Sized

33 Resource Management Proactive System Analytics Eliminates the need to run a variety of reports to monitor exception conditions Metering-Based Configurations Hourly / Daily Consumption Consumption Percentages Exceptions (Continual Usage Leaks, Cut-Wire Tamper, No Usage, Reverse Flow, Encoder Error, Water Main Leaks) Inactive Account Usage Notification by System Dashboard, or SMS

34 Making Water Visible 2013 Badger Meter, Inc. 34

35 Enhanced Customer Service Today, innovative customer engagement is the key to providing a revolutionary customer service experience Empowering the consumer to understand and control their own water usage Builds a better relationship with the customer Educates them on ways to take ownership and responsibility of their usage

36 Billing Dispute Resolution

37 AMA & Consumer Engagement

38 Focus on Water Efficiency Tracking Conservation Program Results 38

39 Focus on Water Efficiency Sprinkler/ Water Day Restriction Enforcement 39

40 Questions / Answers / Discussion Automating reading has many advantages Mobile & Fixed reading systems are comprised of the same basic components Fixed reading systems have physical & financial challenges Both cellular-based systems and hosted software provides scalability. Hybrid systems made up of cellular, traditional AMI and AMR are very popular. Advanced Metering Analytics (AMI + smart software) provides proactive management tools. Customer engagement tools impact water efficiency, Thank You! Michele Harvey Badger Meter Field Technical Support cell/text: mharvey@badgermeter.com